The final ships of the ill-fated French expedition, intended to support the United Irishmen and Wolfe Tone, withdrew from Bantry Bay on December 30, 1796. This marked the definitive end of a significant attempt by France to intervene in Ireland and aid the Irish revolutionary cause. Adverse weather conditions and poor coordination had plagued the invasion fleet, preventing a landing and ultimately forcing its retreat. This failure was a major setback for Wolfe Tone's aspirations for Irish independence, highlighting the challenges of external support and the formidable power of the British navy.
